R S Kalsi, senior executive editor (sales and marketing), MSIL had in a recent interaction told ET that given the adverse macro-economic conditions, sales growth in the second half ‘looks difficult’.

Korean auto major Hyundai Motor India saw a marginal decline in sales by 0.67% at 43709 units. Meanwhile, at Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) volumes last month dropped by 16% to 10721 units. N Raja, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Fluctuating exchange rates, rising fuel costs and high interest rates have impacted the consumer sentiment in auto industry. Consumer demand has witnessed a downward trend over the festive period as compared to same period last year. We are trying to maintain lean inventory at dealership to avoid stock pileup. Festive season has not been able to usual spur in customer demand. With the new year around the corner, we hope there will be a positive momentum in the buying sentiments ensuring growth in year-end sales.”

At Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), volumes went up by a mere 1% to 16188 units in November. Rajan Wadhera, President (automotive sector), M&M, said, “Adverse macro-economic conditions have impacted the growth forecast for the automotive industry in general. Going forward we hope that decrease in fuel prices and improving liquidity will drive demand for passenger vehicles. At Mahindra, we remain upbeat due to our new product launches of Marazzo, Alturas G4 and the upcoming launch of our new SUV codenamed S201.”

At Ford India, wholesale volumes last month dropped by 18% to 6375 units. “With consumer sentiment continuing to be low due to the general economic situation, we expect continued volatility in fuel prices and inflation to cause headwinds for the passenger vehicle industry,” said Anurag Mehrotra, president and managing director, Ford India.

Honda Cars India (HCI) is the only car maker who bucked the trend to report 10% is increase in monthly sales at 13006 units. Rajesh Goel, senior vice-president (sales and marketing), HCI, said, “While the overall auto industry’s growth has remained muted, HCIL could register 10% growth last month. This is largely due to Diwali which happened in November this year as compared to being in October last year along with continued good performance of All New Amaze and robust sales of models like City & WR-V.”